Chapter 56

“100 days before Christmas.”

The iconic soundtrack of the holidays rings through the airwaves as Pai notices the huge sign on the entrance of “The Circle Underground”

‘That fast huh?’ He thought as he followed his parents into the mall with his younger sibling in tow. It has been a while since their family had been out ever since the raids have placed a soft quarantine to prevent people from frequently crossing districts. And since both of Pai’s parents were conservatives, they had just decided as a family to let the storm blow over rather than take any unnecessary risks.

Finally they have decided it was safe enough to spend time outside as a family. As a sign of this belief, Pai’s father has decided to go somewhere they haven’t frequented enough to explore, somewhere away from block six-one-six. Which is why the family had wandered far up north to the fabled underground city.

There was still quite some time before the holidays and yet Pai can spot some of the shops around the mall brandishing Christmas decorations whilst some were having identity crises as they try to incorporate halloween with the holiday motifs.

The first shop the family had visited was a bookstore as Pai’s father wanted to stock up on new technological digests for his study whilst his little sister and his mother browsed around to buy her new school supplies. Pai on the other hand had nothing much he wanted to see until he stumbled on the floor directory showing him that the bookstore had a Japanese Manga section to which he immediately ventured into.

The manga section was strategically placed at the very back so that most people would be forced to be exposed to the rest of the store before reaching it, which funnily never worked for Pai, as he never even bothered to look around the place anyways. He arrived at the spot pleasantly surprised at how big it was and was even more delighted with how diverse their selections were that he started read-browsing immediately. Sadly the only books that don’t have a plastic cover were those found in the second hand section as the rest of the books were sealed to prevent people from attempting what Pai was trying to do. Still he enjoyed getting to see and grasp the actual novels themselves as he browsed through volumes and volumes of material, eagerly tempted to purchase one even though he knew his parents wouldn’t let him, steeling himself to be content with just knowing a store like this existed for him to return to at a future date.

He takes a peek towards the front of the store to check on his parents, so far they don’t look like they were in a hurry so he quickly went back to the second hand section to snatch a quick read on some of the material they were selling. As he was browsing, one of the covers had caught his attention. It was an old manga that was published half a century ago. A bygone time where the stories were still allowed to be risque and edgy whereas nowadays with most content getting heavily scrutinized and sanitized by the government before being released.

It was a manga called “Cheat Slayer”

He had read about it in an online forum before when he was scouring the dark web for certain reading materials. It intrigued him as the people who commented had mixed opinions about the series with some praising it for being inventive towards the “Isekai” genre while others were cursing it for destroying their beloved Heroes from other works where the villains of the story was based off. Nonetheless it was a forgotten piece of “lost media” as most of its copies have been burned by angry Isekai fans, most of which are still searching for copies in current times; while its cult fan base have been stockpiling other found copies and hiding them from public eye, with the sole goal of preserving the series’ existence.

Most of the people in the forums have stated that chances of finding even one volume of the manga would be as rare as someone winning the lottery in their first try.

Funnily enough.

Pai was actually looking at all thirteen volumes.

Neatly arranged, and in chronological order.

Upon noticing this he immediately looked around his surroundings, it was a good thing that it was still early so that only a few were around him as he checked the price of each volume one by one. He totals the full set to be around 3000 pesos (50 USD) and was immediately disappointed with the price as he knew he couldn’t afford it.

With his head hung low he walked away from the section and made his way back to where his parents were. But before he could even exit the section a large hand had grabbed him on his shoulder. A huge chill ran down his spine as all of the danger signs simultaneously erupted as he turned around to face the person who stopped him.

It was Pete.

‘We need to talk.’

Days ago…

After escaping the harassers.

‘Yeah just place the stuff inside the streaming room… I’ll go get ready in a minute.’ Casper said to Julian as he went into the room where Casper streams with his online persona “J3tta Vee Dubs”. Pai on the other hand was sitting on the sofa, shaken and stunned after the ordeal and it also didn’t help that he had completely shut down after he was forced to remember his past by the two who were with him in the taxi.

Thankfully the pair caught on and refrained from pushing the issue further but Pai couldn’t help but feel torn. He didn’t want anyone knowing about his past, but at the same time he also felt like he was shutting his friends out by not telling them and that since now they’ve already been involved with his situation, he knew that they have a right to know as well.

At the moment the two were busy preparing for the stream and seeing them busy gave Pai a false sense of comfort because he knew he didn’t have to tell them at the moment, but he was only delaying the inevitable. He remembers the words Denzo had told him the very last time they had talked.

“I only did what I did cuz I didn’t wanna see another me.”

Those words.

It was something that struck him ever since.

Because if he used to be the same… A coward, just like he is…

Then there’s hope.

Hope that the torment will eventually end.

But right now he is starting to see the road that Denzo had taken to become what he is. On the contrary he felt like he was getting an easier path as Denzo looked like he was used to being alone.

He has friends.

And those friends had accepted him and fought for him and unlike Denzo;

He doesn’t have to face his past alone.

…

‘What happened?’ Julian asked as Casper stormed out of the room.

‘Let’s get some coffee, Jules…’

‘Why what’s up?’

‘Mehh… the streamer I was gonna ‘collab’ with said she was gonna be running late, so we got some spare time to kill.’ Casper said as he halfly unzipped his haptic suit down to his waist. Meanwhile upon hearing this news, Pai jumps into action.

‘Guys?’ He said.

He spoke only a word, but it was enough to get the pair’s full attention.

‘About those people…’

‘Hey dad?’ Pai taps his father’s shoulder to get his attention as he looks around to see his son along with another guy who was twice as big as he was.

‘U-umm this is my fr-- friend… Pete, from school.’ He said as his eyes shifted around feeling unsure at what he had just said. Pete, meanwhile, sees the doubt painted on the father’s face and decides to step in to avoid further trouble.

‘Hello Sir, apologies for speaking so forward but me and Pai met here by chance and I just wanted to take the opportunity to discuss our school project with him.’ Pete explains, trying his best to be as polite as possible.

‘Hmm… project huh?’ Pai’s father responds. ‘What is this project Pai?’ He asked as Pai was startled with his father’s sudden questioning.

‘Oh umm…’

‘Um Sir it’s about--’

‘I believe I was asking my son.’ The father said. As he stares down Pete with disdain in his eyes.

Pai was flustered, not knowing what to say, he started to sweat nervously trying his hardest to come up with an excuse. But as the seconds tick by his silence grew louder, and his mind was now starting to overthink.

‘Am I taking too long?’

‘Has my dad found me out?’

‘What am I supposed to say?’

‘Just make something up Pai!’

‘But what would be convincing?!’

Questions that have started to clog up his mind. But out of all of those disturbing cluttered questions, one had stood out from the rest.

‘What would Denzo say?’

And upon reflecting upon it, he let’s go.

‘It’s a science project.’ He said.

‘On what?’ His father questioned.

Pai’s eyes wandered around the store and landed upon the first thing he gazed upon.

‘On French Cuisine?’ Pai answers as he immediately realizes what he’d just said.

‘What?! Science paper but it’s about food?’ His father answers back, confused.

‘Uhh… Yes sir. It’s for chemistry. They want us to distinguish what chemicals trigger the taste buds in our mouths.’ Pete interjects as he made sense of what Pai had just said and upon hearing the words the father’s eyes had softened.

‘Yeah Dad, we’ll just be by the coffee shop to talk… It won;t take too long.’ Pai said as he started walking away from the scene, but just as he thought he was about to go free, his father called him back.

‘Pai?’ He said. ‘We’ll just be here. We will text you when we’re about to leave.’

Pai nods as he and Pete walk away from the scene. As his father looks on, still looking unsure as he calls out once again to satisfy his unease.

‘Hey big kid.’ He said as he called out to Pete.

‘Uhh… Yes sir?’

‘What’s your name again?’ He asked using the same doubtful look in his eyes.

‘It’s Pete sir.’

‘Ahh Pete… You one of those kids who were bullying my son?’

Pete gulps.

‘No sir.’

‘Good. Nice to meet you Pete.’

It was a cold rainy day and the storm clouds outside were raging wildly as the continuous claps from the thunderclouds consistently terrorize the commuting populace.

It was the failure of the governing body to make proper announcements.

And by the time everybody realized that the weather was not fit enough for study.

It was too late.

Nonetheless.

Since the students were already inside.

Taking shelter from the storm.

Might as well start.

For one boy this was supposed to be another day in school.

An annoying day perhaps.

As he could’ve stayed home, and would’ve been fully excused.

But his mother took her chances.

After all, there were no suspension announcements.

Therefore he must attend.

It was sad. It was a devastating choice she had made.

For he could’ve missed the test scheduled that day.

And would’ve been fully excused for it.

But there was another thing he could’ve missed…

…

It was cold and he was wet,

From the rain he had to encounter.

And the air conditioning was running full blast.

His mother had given him a full breakfast.

But for some reason the meal made him parched,

More than usual.

And now the consequences were starting to weigh on him.

He stares down his test,

He was only halfway done.

And the clock was moving far slower than usual.

It is an unfortunate rule that the test didn’t allow for bathroom breaks.

As he needed one… Desperately.

His legs were shaking.

And his eyes were darting back and forth.

Looking at his classmates and the shame that shall befall him.

But he stood his ground and fought.

Telling himself he can get past this.

He tries to answer quickly.

But he couldn’t concentrate.

He couldn't even distinguish the letters anymore.

And to rub salt into his wounds.

The teacher noticed his suspicious moves,

And approached to reprimand him.

“Mister Xien. I encourage you to keep your eyes on your paper.”

She said with full intimidating authority.

The fear was too much.

He trembles.

He lets go.

…

The days that followed were nothing much to note.

It was the first semester of his freshmen year.

In a new place.

In a new school.

And as such he was still building on his group of friends.

But after what had happened no one would take him seriously.

He was more of a laughing stock than someone to be friends with.

And therefore his days were spent in fear and obscurity.

He’d spend his lunch alone.

He’d avoid a familiar face.

And everytime he’d fail to avoid their attention.

Abuse.

…

At first it was just during the breaks.

But then it grew in between classes.

From simple verbal insults.

It grew into silly pranks.

Stealing gym clothes and hiding them.

Putting glue on his seat.

Writing profanities on his uniform.

Or the occasional classic “kick me” sign.

With the latter escalating the things “they” could get away with.

“They” started to kick him,

Then “they” sucker punched him.

First on the arm.

And when marks were being left.

“They” shifted to his stomach.

And because “they” were angry that he tattled on them with the punching.

They were soon trapping him afterclass.

Giving them freedom to do as they please.

From petty things like:

Heating up a pocket lighter.

And mushing it to his arm.

Taking a swiss army knife.

And making shallow cuts on his fingers.

To things that would leave a permanent scar.

And since “they” weren’t always just the boys…

The boys would just kick and punch and burn and slice.

But the girls were the one to torture.

Making him strip naked inside the girls bathroom.

Taking pictures they could use to blackmail him.

Threatening to tell the authorities he was perverse.

Making him buy them lunch for them with his own money.

Stealing his lunch.

Stealing his homework.

Planting their “blood” in his bag.

And all sorts of horrifying atrocities.

But the worst of all.

They spread his “Legend” all around.

Not just on campus.

But outside of the school.

To their former friends in other institutions.

Which, in turn, tells their friends and spreads it wider.

With all this atrocious things happening to him,

It was an astonishing feat that the boy took long before telling.

And once he did.

Everyone involved was slapped in the wrist.

…

“Bullshit!”

The father protested.

But it didn’t matter.

What was done is done.

And after two years of everyday abuse;

He went away.

In a different city, with a different school.

Hoping that the rumors don’t travel as fast as he thought it did.

He took a chance.

Sadly the rumors followed him.

And he was found.

This was where he met the boy that saved him.

And started him on a path of recovery.

And although “they” were still on a hunt for him.

This time it was different.

He was not alone.

And no matter what happens;

he would always have somebody by his side.

Because finally.

He has friends now.

But was this the end?

Pete sets down his coffee cup and lays his back on the sofa, crossing his arms. He looked pensive with a thousand mile stare towards the horizon as he gazed out into the sunset through the coffee shop’s window. Pai was resting his hands atop his legs, grabbing his jeans as he desperately tried to hold on to something after telling the story to someone he wasn’t comfortable telling it to. A mixed bag of emotions were churning up within his chest but there was one feeling he felt strange about feeling, as he felt a pinch of inadequacy, making him think he had concealed too much from someone who looked like he was trying to help.

‘Was I vague?’ He thought, as Pete continued to look towards the outdoors. Silent, but tense.

Finally after a few tense, awkward minutes, Pete sighed as he took another sip of coffee before returning his gaze back to Pai.

‘Sorry…’ His first word.

‘N-no it’s okay we-we have all day to talk I can just--’

‘Not that.’ Pete responds, silencing Pai as the big figure in front of him takes a deep breath, almost as if he was hesitating for something.

‘I hate saying this since I don;t want to associate myself with those people. But I’m already a guaranteed Omega Epsilon member even if I’m still a highschooler.’

…

‘On behalf of Omega Epsilon Mu.

I am sorry.’

‘But Pete--’

‘No Pai. Listen. I don’t like you, or your friends. We’re just two different people with different ideals and honestly listening to you guys banter about anime was making my blood boil.

But part of this…

Part of why people like you have suffered…

Was partly my doing.’

Pai’s brow wrinkled as soon as he heard his words. ‘What do you mean?’

‘I hated the thought of joining the frat before. Cuz my dad’s part of it and it felt like I was being forced into it. But after hearing that by joining I’ll be a part of the strongest of the strong… I was hooked. So I pledged.’

Pai just looks at him silently as he lets Pete continue.

‘They had a program which started a couple years back. A pre collegiate pledge program where you can reserve your place at the frat even before you enter college.

The only requirement was to gather influence to show your dominance.

It didn’t matter how.

It didn’t matter where.

Some did it by being top in their field. Whether sports or study.

Some did it through force--’

‘So that was it?!’ Pai interjects. ‘It was a game? To make other people suffer?’

Pai stared at him with such intensity that could burn holes into walls, but Pete calmly answered back, already foreseeing his response.

‘Yes it is. Cuz people are just animals in denial.

We instinctively crave to kick out the weak.

And the more effective you are at getting rid of them.

The more others cling to you. Possibly to avoid the same fate.

Which is why this was the most effective method of getting a shot to get in as a pledge.

Since not everyone can be a genius or an athlete, let alone a dominant one.’

‘And what about you?’ Pai darts back, his eyes starting to redden.

‘I tried to get it via sports…

Basketball…

But there was another kid who was better… and to make it worse he’s more… “pleasing to look at” that asswipe…

So in the end… I resorted to beating people up… people like you.

And I got in pretty quickly.’

At this point the tears that Pai was holding back were starting to flow, but Pete didn’t let it bother him as he continued to speak about his past.

‘There was nothing in the rules where you had to keep your status until college.

Once you’re in, you’re in.

But I didn’t know, nor did I care. And I continued ruling the school like a crime boss for two consecutive years until Tisha smacked some sense into me.’

Pai quickly wiped his tears after hearing Tisha’s name. ‘What does she have to do with this?’

‘Well that’s because she was the President before Keeno got the throne.’ Pete answered as Pai looked at him with surprise. ‘She and Keeno used to be rival candidates and Tisha won purely on her people skills, but she wasn’t ready for the role, and because of that the whole student body plunged into chaos, chaos which I took advantage of.

And chaos that forced Tisha to re-evaluate her bearings.

She didn’t even try to run for elections the following year.

Keeno won by a landslide and made Tisha her right hand.

And that was where she started to kick my ass.’ Pete said those last words with pride.

‘But long story short, she inspired me to become a better version of myself. Also made me realize how fucked up the frat is for letting their pledges bully without even acknowledging the issue.

On the contrary they were supporting it.

The ultimate display of strength.

Assholes…’

Pete sighs as he takes another sip from his coffee.

‘I’ve beaten up people like you Pai. And I’m pretty sure the people that have beaten you up have looked up to me and how I did things back then.’

‘But how? Why? We’re from different schools back then…’ Pai replied puzzled at why Pete would phrase his words the way he did.

‘I saw what happened last week. I was there when they stopped you at the gate.’ Pete confessed as he could see Pai start to flare up knowing what he saw and not helping, but Pete interjects before Pai could raise his protest.

‘Those guys waiting a few meters from the gate, issuing threats to get you away from the premises? I was the one who came up with that.

That way we could scare people, torture people or at the very least demoralize them towards supporting our useless cause away from the school authorities.

And to make it worse, you guys got away luckily.

Had you chosen to back off and run to the authorities, they already have guys hiding to block your path.

That Julian kid did you a favor by punching the leader. Created enough chaos to shock the system in place, and make them fumble the usual procedure.’ Pete said as Pai looked towards him with awe at how much he knows, and fear at how close Casper and Julian came from becoming involved with his suffering.

‘But there’s another thing that you might not know about this ordeal, Pai. And it’s the other reason why I had to have a word with you.’ He continued as Pai leaned closer, curious at what it could be.

‘That kid that Julian hit. He got sent to the ER. Apparently getting kneed to the nose can create a skull fracture.’

‘Good for him then! That'll teach him not to bully!’ Pai shouts in response, feeling delighted with the retribution.

‘Yeah! Great isn’t it? Turns out this was the third time that fucker got sent to the ER and all of them invovled you. Do you get what I’m saying?’ Pete declares, clearly spelling out the last words of his sentence.

‘W-what do you mean?’ Pai nervously asked.

‘I know that kid. He’s already gained a following and is one of the potentials to join the frat.’ Pete further elaborates. ‘Which means even if he’s hospitalized… He wouldn’t hesitate to send someone to “continue the job”

Pete leans closer to Pai to drive in the point further.

‘I know how they think.

I know they’ll make your life hell. Whether in school or outside.

I also know that this is personal for him.

So he’ll make it personal for you.’

‘W-what do you mean?’

‘Your friends? Just the tip of the iceberg.

There are many kids who want to join Omega Epsilon.

Some parents even encourage their kids to join.

They just turn a blind eye to their shit

Cuz they know the benefits of their child joining the ranks.

So knowing that.

What makes you think there aren’t any followers of his…

In your sister’s school?

Get it?’

…

…

Pai lunges forward as he grabs Pete’s arms, looking rattled after what he’d just heard.

‘Please! Help me! I’ll do anything! Just… I don’t want my sister involved in this!’ Pai begged as Pete pushed Pai back to his seat.

‘Calm down. It’s a good thing you decided to shop far from the school grounds. Makes the chances of them spotting your whole family even less. But as far as I know, they have no clue where you live.’

Pete did his best to state the fact but Pai couldn’t help but feel hopeless once more as the tears started to fall again from the corner of his eyes.

‘Pai… stop… I came here to make it up for indirectly causing all this. So rest assured I’ll find a way to help.’

‘Really?’

Pete sighed. He knows he shouldn't be thinking things the way he does but he can’t help but feel the urge to punch Pai in the face after seeing him looking pathetic in front of him. It is a good thing that Tisha’s love outweighs his violent urges as he wrangles himself from blowing a fuse as he takes another deep calming breath.

‘Yes.’ He answered. ‘But It doesn’t come without a price.’

Hearing that, Pai quickly changes his mood from begging to doubting.

Afterall, some of his bullies have propositioned him in the same manner.

‘What do you want then?!’ Pai shouts, annoyed that he almost trusted him. ‘What kind of shit do you want me to do now?!

Do you want me to bark?

Strip myself in public?

Pull my pants down in front of the principal?

Spread my--’

Pai was stopped by Pete’s hammer fist landing atop of his skull as he suffered a slight concussion after Pete failed to restrain his strength due to Pai making a scene in the middle of the coffee shop.

‘Would you just shut the fuck up? You’re making a scene here and you haven’t let me finish my sentence yet.’ Pete angrily whispers as Pai slowly regains his vision after getting hit with his giant basketball sized fist.

‘I’m not making you do any of that shit! All I want from you is one simple thing.’

‘What’s that?’

…

‘You’re gonna help me dismantle Omega Epsilon Mu.’